Texas temporarily extends expired driver’s licenses, ID cards during coronavirus outbreak

AUSTIN — Texans will be able to use expiring state driver’s licenses and ID cards while the state is under the declaration of disaster for COVID-19, officials said.

On Sunday night, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen posted on social media a letter from the Texas Department of Public Safety saying the agency had been granted authority to extend expiring driver’s licenses and ID cards for the duration of Gov. Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration.

The department will consider expired IDs valid if the expiration date is on or after March 13 for up to 60 days after the end of the governor’s disaster declaration.

“This extension applies to expiration date only,” the letter read. “A person who is not eligible to drive due to an active enforcement action (suspension, revocation or denial) may use the card for identification purposes only. DPS has notified law enforcement agencies and has asked for their understanding and cooperation in this matter.”